Answer: Yes! And you can actually do long term damage to your skin when you over exfoliate. The number 1 question I get asked when people buy my scrubs: How often should I exfoliate? If you have this same question in mind, then keep reading below:
When you over-exfoliate, there are some major side effects, such as breakouts, skin irritation and discoloration, and even scarring. You could also develop scars.
So how can we avoid this?
1. By exfoliating no more than 3 times a week (though I suggest only once), depending on your skin type.
2. Choosing the right scrub, for instance Citrus Garden Salt Scrub is perfect for your body but it shouldn't be used for your face due to the coarseness of the salts, however Aphrodite's Desires Sugar Scrub is perfect for the face due to the softness of the brown sugar.
So now what, you may have exfoliated a little too much..so are you doomed? Not usually but it depends on how bad the damage is, typically it takes up to a few months to heal completely from over-exfoliation. Do NOT rush the process though, if you do, you may set back your healing time and cause even more damage to your skin. So what can you do to heal? Check out the ways below:
I want to say first and foremost, if you experience any side effects, irritation, abnormal changes to your skin: IMMEDIATELY stop using whatever product you are using and go to a dermatologist (especially if the irritation doesn't go away or it is severe). Now there are ways that can help to heal if you have over exfoliated: stop exfoliating, use facial or body cleansers that are mild and doesn't have any harsh irritants, step away from the chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments, keep your skin moisturized. Once you (and your doctor) decide you are ready to exfoliate again, start off slowly, do not jump back into your intense skincare regimen.
Now hopefully this has answered your questions on over-exfoliating and what you can do to prevent it from happening (remember don't exfoliate more than 3 times a day and choose the right scrub for the right body part). If you have found this helpful or have any questions, please don't hesitate to comment below: